Plan Ahead for the Enhancement and Upgrade of Critical Environment Solutions
Facilities maintenance and operations teams must have a condition assessment strategy in place when planning capital projects, including enhancements, upgrades, and renovations in order to be effective stewards of resources.
But taking on condition assessment as an annual inspection just to check the box isn’t effective, nor will it help influence appropriate capital project scheduling or budget. The results of such a lackadaisical approach could be disastrous.
Instead, experts from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) recommend the inclusion of mathematical modeling and a three-step assessment process for your critical environment solutions and commercial HVAC.
Condition Assessment of the Air Distribution System
Correctly conducting a condition assessment is vital for planning capital projects. The three steps for condition assessment of your commercial HVAC system are:
- Inspection
- Assessment
- Estimation
During the inspection phase, facilities maintenance teams should conduct a physical and visual exam of the air distribution system.
During the assessment phase, rate the system’s condition based on inspection results. Developing or using a predetermined condition rating scale can help simplify this process and create consistency.
Finally, during estimation, evaluate and prioritize the investment necessary to repair or replace assets, if they need it.
Commercial HVAC Assessment Methodology
For the most complete and accurate assessment, the IFMA recommends that you evaluate each piece of equipment for physicality, performance, probability, and productivity.
- Physicality refers to the commercial HVAC system’s physical condition. Observe leaks, rust, fractures, and other indications of wear. Develop a checklist for each of your critical environment solutions and HVAC components to ensure each facet is covered during the examination.
- Performance considers current and future capacity and efficiency. Rely on operational systems to capture relevant data, including downtime, cost of repairs, and cost of operation.
- Productivity can only be addressed by first determining asset risk, historical performance, and criticality. This is the most subjective of all considerations. Ask yourself, “Without this asset, how will it impact productivity?” For most critical environment solutions, this is the lynchpin of the assessment.
Answering questions during the assessment also enables your operations team to take a methodical approach. Address the following important questions when putting together the assessment for your organization.
- Why? Why is it necessary to devote resources and time to the capital project?
- Who? Who must participate in the project? Will we need an outside consultant?
- What? What, exactly, will the operations team consider during the assessment and examinations?
- How? How will the assessment be conducted? What type of rating system will be used to grade assets?
Creating a Condition Grading Scale for Commercial HVAC Equipment
To maximize consistency and accuracy among the maintenance and operations team at your organization, particularly when it comes to assessments and inspections, you must also establish a grading scale – this is the answer to the “What?” question.
Start with a simple five-point numeric rating scale, where five means the asset is in excellent condition, one means the asset is in poor condition, and three means the asset is in adequate condition. Choose the numerical rating that best indicates the minimum condition requirements are met to deem the asset in good repair.
Decide the necessary considerations for determining the numeric rating, including functionality, downtime, physical condition, and other factors important to the asset.
Why Assessments Matter
Using a consistent facility condition assessment provides a baseline, so that your organization can:
- Monitor and maintain your commercial HVAC components to guarantee the delivery of safe, efficient, and reliable service.
- Make informed decisions on capital investments regarding the repair or replacement of assets.
- Secure funds for the replacement of aging assets that are no longer in good repair.
Without these assessments, you risk excessive downtime, reduced productivity, and worse: the inability to serve your patients, clients, or visitors – or provide critical care.
Ready to Replace Your Commercial HVAC and Air Distribution Systems?
For nearly 100 years, AJ Manufacturing has fabricated made-to-order stainless steel commercial HVAC products, especially for critical environments. We know there’s no room for error when it comes to air distribution systems – and that’s why our process aims for perfection at each step of the way.
Centrally located in Kansas City, Missouri, AJ Manufacturing ships globally, and conducts IEST air leak testing on all products before they leave our facility.
To request an estimate for your capital project, send an inquiry via our website, call us at (816) 231-5522, or email Amy VanWagner, our National Sales Manager.